Controls Engineer

NPAworldwide; London; Remote; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A rapidly-growing maritime technology company seeks a Controls Engineer to shape control systems that optimize emissions and fuel efficiency. This role offers full lifecycle responsibilities from architecture to commissioning, with fully remote work options and opportunities for career advancement. Engage in unique challenges that contribute to the decarbonisation of global shipping while being part of an innovative team.

Benefits

Fully remote with monthly meet-ups

Travel expenses paid for trials and workshops

Standard pension and 25 days holiday

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Control Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or Mechatronics.
• Chartered Engineer status preferred.
• Hands-on experience with networking and control system integration.

Responsibilities

• Define system architecture and develop control algorithms.
• Undertake system commissioning and troubleshoot hardware/software.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams for product integration.

Skills

Control-system architecture expertise

Networking proficiency

Field experience with deployed systems

Human-Machine Interface (HMI) design

Growth mindset

Education

Degree in Control Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Matlab/Simulink

Job description

Controls Engineer

Location: Remote (UK‑based) – monthly meet‑ups & global travel for trials

Reporting To: Head of Engineering

Salary: £45-65K plus excellent benefits package

Our client is a rapidly‑growing maritime technology company pioneering innovative wind‑assisted propulsion systems to reduce fuel consumption and emissions across global shipping.

This is a blank‑page opportunity for an ambitious Controls Engineer who wants to shape how we build, validate and scale control systems. You will likely have 2-5 years of hands-on experience, but your attitude, curiosity and willingness to learn matter more than this.

You will own the full controls lifecycle – from architecture and algorithm design through on‑board commissioning – and help establish a world‑class capability as the company grows.


Role & Responsibilities

- Define and maintain the system architecture linking sensors, effectors and core processors for innovative products.

- Own and evolve the control algorithms, ensuring reliability, performance and ease of use.

- Develop and maintain the HMI, delivering a user‑friendly interface for operators.

- Undertake system commissioning on board vessels, troubleshooting hardware and software end‑to‑end.

- Capture and manage system requirements, securing stakeholder buy‑in and traceability from design through to in‑service support.

- Collaborate with multi‑disciplinary teams to integrate mechanical, electrical and software components.

- Build and lead a controls engineering team as the product portfolio and order book expand.

Salary & Benefits

- £45,000–£65,000 per annum (possibly more with exceptional experience).

- Fully remote working with:
• Company‑wide meet‑up in London/UK once per month (2‑3 days).
• Engineering team workshop once per month.
• Regular factory or on‑ship visits for testing and trials.
• All travel & accommodation expenses paid.

- Opportunity to build a capability and progress rapidly as the company scales.

- Standard pension plus 25days holiday + bank holidays.


Our client offers the chance to make a tangible impact on the decarbonisation of global shipping while growing with a supportive,
forward‑thinking team. If you thrive on ownership, enjoy solving real‑world problems and want to help write the playbook for our controls engineering function, we would love to hear from you.

Industrial Automation,IP,CAN bus,Modbus,HMIs,Commissioning

Key Requirements

- Control-system architecture expertise covering sensor/effector integration and scalable designs.

- Hands-on networking proficiency with at least two of IP, CAN bus, Modbus, NMEA or Serial interfaces.

- Field experience diagnosing and rectifying issues in deployed systems.

- Automation & in-service commissioning experience within marine, industrial or autonomous systems.

- Human-Machine Interface (HMI) design for intuitive operation in demanding environments.

- Growth mindset & self-direction – able to tackle unfamiliar problems, learn rapidly and make progress with minimal guidance.

- Willingness to travel globally for sea trials, factory testing and monthly company meet-ups (all expenses paid).

Desirable Skills & Experience

- Deploying advanced control algorithms & AI development (e.g. Matlab/Simulink, model-based design) to embedded hardware, PLCs or CPUs.

- Exposure to AI/ML techniques applied to control systems.

- Knowledge of marine regulations and standards.

Qualifications

- Degree-qualified in Control Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics or a related discipline.

- Chartered Engineer status.